Save It Festive, flaky crescent rolls shaped into charming Christmas trees, filled with budget-friendly cheese and herbs—perfect for holiday appetizers or snacks.
This recipe has been a favorite at our family gatherings, bringing smiles and festive cheer every time I serve it.
Ingredients
- Dough: 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Filling: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, 2 garlic cloves minced, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley), 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Decoration: 16 grape tomatoes or small cherry tomatoes (for ornaments), 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 3:
- Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
- Step 4:
- Brush each triangle lightly with the butter-herb mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over each triangle.
- Step 5:
- Roll up each triangle from wide end to tip to form a crescent.
- Step 6:
- Arrange the crescents on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree: create a triangle by starting with one roll at the top, then two underneath, then three, and so on, ending with a row of five at the base. Position remaining rolls as the trunk beneath the tree shape.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 13–15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Step 8:
- Remove from oven. While warm, brush with remaining butter-herb mixture.
- Step 9:
- Garnish with grape tomatoes as ornaments and sprinkle with additional parsley if desired.
- Step 10:
- Serve warm.
Save It My kids love helping arrange the crescents on the baking sheet to make the Christmas tree shape – it's a fun family activity every holiday season.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush, mixing bowls
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), Milk (dairy), possibly eggs (check crescent roll dough label). Double-check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 185 per serving, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 17 g, Protein: 6 g
Save It This easy appetizer adds a festive touch to any holiday gathering with minimal effort and ingredients.
Recipe FAQs
- → What dough works best for these crescent trees?
Refrigerated crescent roll dough offers the perfect flaky texture and ease of handling for shaping and baking.
- → Can I use different cheeses in the filling?
Yes, swapping mozzarella and Parmesan with cheddar or a cheese blend adds varied flavor profiles while maintaining richness.
- → How are the crescent rolls shaped into trees?
Arrange rolled crescents in rows increasing from one at the top to five at the base to form a triangular tree shape, with extra pieces as the trunk.
- → What herbs enhance the filling flavor?
A combination of fresh parsley, minced garlic, and dried Italian herbs lend a savory, aromatic touch to the filling.
- → Are there garnish options for a festive look?
Grape tomatoes serve as colorful 'ornaments' and additional parsley sprinkled on top adds fresh green accents.